"Taxi Driver 3" offers viewers a refreshing thrill with upgraded action and chemistry.
On the 18th afternoon at the SBS building in Mok-dong, Yangcheon District, Seoul, an SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Taxi Driver 3' production presentation was held. Director Kang Bo-seung and actors Lee Je-hoon, Kim Eui-sung, Pyo Ye-jin, Jang Hyuk-jin and Bae Yoo-ram attended the production presentation and spoke.
'Taxi Driver 3' is a private revenge agency drama in which the taxi company Rainbow Transportation, shrouded in mystery, and taxi driver Kim Do-gi (Lee Je-hoon) complete revenge on behalf of wronged victims.
Kang Bo-seung, who worked as an assistant director in the previous season, takes on his first directorial challenge with 'Taxi Driver 3.' When asked about the focus in season 3, he explained, "If seasons 1 and 2 showed many segmented incidents as episodes, I wanted season 3 to feel like a complete story. Each episode deals with different incidents, but there are hints from earlier incidents about later ones, and I wanted it to be a warm story where the people helped by Taxi Driver not only receive aid but return to their places and become warm embers for those around them."
He said, "Although each episode deals with different incidents, I tried to make it look like one big story when seen as a whole. Each episode will be entertaining, but it gets more fun as it progresses. The ending is much more exciting. As shown in the trailer, there's action in a space presumed to be a harbor in the part that is both the opening of part 1 and the climax of part 2. I directed the part-16 climax in a similar form. I wanted to give that level of connectivity," and added, "Also, in designing the villain, rather than just introducing 'there is such a bad person,' I focused on where they came from, how they became such a villain, and depicting it with verisimilitude."
When asked whether timely subjects such as Burning Sun appear as in previous seasons, director Kang Bo-seung said, "Of course you can see them. Rather than being incidents that occurred only at this moment, all incidents have been repeated, so it's hard to say they happened only this year. It's a minor area, but in season 3 we placed a whack-a-mole game at the taxi company. It came up while talking with the writer at the start: in a whack-a-mole game, no matter how you hit the mole, it comes back out. We thought to stop that mole you would have to go inside the machine, and then we chose the subsequent incident. We approached it more fundamentally rather than as something that happened this year or last year. Also, when dealing with timely incidents, we focused more on expressing them than reenacting them. Rather than simply reenacting to remind viewers of the incident, we emphasized expressing it artistically and directorially."
'Taxi Driver' aired season 1 in 2021 and received intense love from viewers, continuing the series to season 3. Accordingly, the upgraded chemistry of the lead actors who have worked together for five years also draws attention. Lee Je-hoon, who has led the work as Rainbow Transportation taxi driver Kim Do-gi, said, "At some point it's been more than five years together, so I wonder if the character is reality, and our real selves seem to be blending into the character. The gap has greatly diminished," describing how he has merged with the character.
Pyo Ye-jin, who plays hacker Ahn Go-eun and whose styling transformation stands out this season, said, "Just as Go-eun grew by season 3, I have thought more about this role. The Go-eun I think of now should be reliably helpful to the team and have a professional side that knows what she needs to do. To show a more dependable, decisive look than the short bob that had pain in season 1, I cut a blunt short hairstyle," explaining the change.
Meanwhile, Kim Eui-sung, who plays Jang Sung-chul and is under viewers' suspicion for continuing 'mastermind' rumors and possible betrayal, said, "I found myself reflecting on what kind of life I've lived. It's been almost five years since season 1, but many still suspect me. When some stills from season 3 were released showing me spraying water with a hose, some said I'm 'smiling while shooting a gun.' You can't just turn someone inside out like a sock," he said indignantly, adding, "Please watch. If you keep watching with suspicion, something will happen, right? Please watch once," raising expectations.
When asked whether season 3 can surpass the popularity of seasons 1 and 2, Lee Je-hoon said, "It's honestly nerve-wracking to follow such powerful seasons. Thinking about whether it can beat past season episodes, it's hard to say. If viewers remember the episodes we've filmed and the hard moments on set, they will probably feel it. Season 3 is deeper, more cohesive and has a refreshing, soda-like exhilaration compared with seasons 1 and 2. I expect that. When season 1 began, I didn't dare think it would continue like this. It is because of viewers' love and support that we were able to go from season 2 to season 3. I believe we will receive support for this season as well, and I promise here that we will repay that support with refreshing and big fun," he said confidently.
When asked whether viewers can expect upgraded car action, he answered simply, "Yes." He continued, "Because the car has been upgraded. If the previous taxi had a classic and unique charm, this one runs very well from the performance side, and honestly it made car action much easier. It accelerates smoothly when you step on it. The design was made stylishly, so our signature car will likely be firmly established in season 3," he emphasized.
He also said the alter egos are striking from the start. Lee Je-hoon said, "Not only me but the Rainbow Transportation family members' alter egos are formidable. I expect we can show those aspects very powerfully and deliciously this season," adding, "From the start I worried a lot about whether the alter egos that could surpass the powerful characters shown in seasons 1 and 2 could be well formed. I was even very nervous. Viewers will probably watch with expectations. That's why I poured everything I had into episodes 1 and 2. Please look forward to what kind of alter ego Kim Do-gi will use to punish the band of evil in the international crime episode," he hinted.
When asked about the strengths and viewing points of season 3, Pyo Ye-jin said, "The scale has grown. The actors participating in each episode do very well, but this time they are even more powerful." Jang Hyuk-jin said, "When villains appear, people say to feed them sweet potatoes and give them soda. This time it didn't feel like that. Rather than 'Aren't you frustrated, you guys?' and resolving it bit by bit, it builds the soda feeling gradually and bursts it all at once, so please look forward to that." Bae Yoo-ram said, "It might seem like the focus is on the villains, but please also watch how the victims are comforted. As they confront the villains, aren't the victims healed? I think it's good to consider that. The victims are played by tremendous actors, so you can look forward to it," he said.
When asked about strategies to attract viewers who hadn't seen previous series or aren't fans, director Kang Bo-seung said, "Since the world-building is solid, I think mid-series entry may be easy. 'Taxi Driver 3' is a linear and straightforward story. It is a simple story of people in pain and righteous Rainbow Transportation family members stepping in to help, so I think it will be easier to accept. Actors who play victims and actors who play villains, many widely known people greatly helped. If that's a strategy for season 3, it could be a strategy. Familiar, famous and well-acting people participated, so it could become a strategy." Lee Je-hoon added, "It's familiar but feels so new, and the passionate performances will likely allow viewers to enjoy the drama richly."
On expanding the already successful IP of 'Taxi Driver,' director Kang Bo-seung said, "I think 'Taxi Driver' is a great IP that can easily go up to season 10, and I'm always grateful to viewers," adding with a grin, "I previously co-directed 'Dr. Romantic 3,' so I'm confident about season 3."
However, with the keyword 'final chapter' appearing ahead of the broadcast of 'Taxi Driver 3,' speculation has arisen that the series may be ending. Lee Je-hoon said, "Personally I hope Rainbow Transportation will be loved by viewers for a long time, but I think that wish alone cannot make it so. So I approached this season thinking I should add strength to what we've done and pour everything in. If this season is the last, I poured all my passion and love into season 3 hoping viewers will feel that this actor gave everything in season 3. That may make it feel like a final chapter," he said.
Director Kang Bo-seung continued, "People often call it a trilogy. Because a three-part structure has completeness, it can look like a final chapter. We also made it as if it were the final chapter with our utmost effort. It might be a spoiler, but as you watch, at some point the number 3 will disappear. The original motive at the start — the season doesn't matter — there will come a moment when you focus on the essence of 'we are Taxi Driver,'" raising curiosity. Kim Eui-sung joked, "It can't be forever. 'Taxi Driver' depends on Kim Do-gi reaching a cauldron-like state. It's possible as long as only the knee cartilage doesn't wear away," eliciting laughter.
Asked about expectations for awards ahead of year-end ceremonies, Lee Je-hoon said, "We're actually still filming. So even after the broadcast starts, filming will continue, and only when it's finished will we feel these emotions," but added, "What matters is that the five of us, Rainbow Transportation and the director, will sit at the same table at an awards ceremony and probably see several trophies. I personally have that expectation. Not only me but the actors performed so wonderfully and truly lovingly. I would love for one of those trophies to be mine," he said frankly. Meanwhile, Jang Hyuk-jin and Bae Yoo-ram added lightheartedly that they are "aiming for best couple."
Finally, Lee Je-hoon said, "Fridays may be angry and frustrating, but we'll clear it all on Saturdays." Kim Eui-sung said, "I've felt much anticipation when dramas I participated in were released, but this is the first time I've been this nervous and excited. I don't know why, but the expectation seems to come as pressure because it's so great. I hope it becomes a drama that doesn't disappoint expectations. Please help us a lot," he urged. Bae Yoo-ram jokingly urged viewers, "The weather has gotten cold. Don't go outside; stay home, steam some tangerines and sweet potatoes, and watch 'Taxi Driver 3.' You don't need soda separately. Just watch it."
Meanwhile, 'Taxi Driver 3' will premiere on the 21st at 9:50 p.m.
[Photo] OSEN reporter Min Kyung-hoon
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